Ex-Malawi president's son leaves cabinet

BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) — The son of Malawi's former president has resigned his post as a minister in current President Joyce Banda's administration after announcing his own presidential bid.

Austin Atupele Muluzi had served as Malawi's Economic Planning and Development minister as part of Banda's efforts to reach across political divides in the African nation. An aide to Muluzi confirmed his resignation Monday.

Muluzi is a 2014 presidential candidate for the United Democratic Front, which once was Malawi's governing party under his father Bakili Muluzi.

Political unrest in Malawi sparked extensive legislative delays, rioting, a failed impeachment bid, and accusations of coup and assassination plots in recent years. Banda took over as president in April after the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika.